Apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference, a device for measurement of a limb compliance comprising the same and a device used in the treatment of lymphedema comprising the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference, comprising a pull string module, a first measurement module and a second measurement module. The pull string module comprises a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding component comprises an encircling part disposed around a limb of an individual; the first measurement module is disposed at the pull string module and moves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb and meanwhile measures the length of the limb; and the second measurement module measures the length of the encircling part simultaneously when the first measurement module move alone the limb, so as to determine the correlation between the limb length and the limb circumference. The present invention further provides a device including two or more apparatuses of the present invention to measure the limb compliance and to be used in the treatment of lymphedema.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority of Taiwan Applications No.107125791, filed Jul. 25, 2018, and No. 108125106, filed Jul. 16, 2019,the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for measurementof a limb circumference, more particularly, to an detection apparatusfor continuously and thoroughly measuring the circumference of a limband for measurement of a limb compliance and a device for treatment oflymphedema of a limb.

2. Description of the Related Art

Fibrosis is caused by the lymph node dissection and/or radiation therapyduring the treatment of cancer, such as breast cancer, gynecologiccancer or pelvic tumor. It may lead to a blockage of the lymphaticsystem resulting in a condition of localized fluid retention and tissueswelling, which is called lymphedema which is commonly seen in limbs.

Lymphedema is caused by the unbalance of the lymph flowing through thelymphatic system. In many patients with cancer, this condition does notdevelop until months or even years after therapy has concluded.Lymphedema would have severely effect on the patients' appearance,confidence, and their daily self-management.

Given the good therapeutic effect of lymphedema at early stage, aneasy-to-use device for measuring the limb circumference is urgentlyneeded by the patients after surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiationtherapy to determine if lymphedema occurs or not. Besides, the medicalpersonnel could modify the therapy according to the data of thepatients' limb circumference, which would be more suitable for thepatients.

Moreover, according to clinical experience, it is necessary to measurethe limb compliance which reflects the internal pressure in extremitiesand may be indices of the change of the stages of lymphedema and of thetherapeutic effect. It is found that lymphedema could be relieved bymanual lymph drainage (MLD). However, MLD has to be performed by trainedprofessionals. Not only does it cost immense manpower, but the therapycan be conducted in registered medical institutions. It is in urgentneed of developing a device to achieve the above desired therapeuticeffect. That would save labor cost with no restriction to time andplace.

Consequently, it is an issue to be overcome in the industry to develop adetection device for measurement of limb circumference and complianceand can be used in the treatment of lymphedema.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference, comprising a pull string module, a first measurementmodule, and a second measurement module. The pull string modulecomprises a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding componentcomprises an encircling part disposed around a limb of an individual;the first measurement module is disposed at the pull string module, andwherein the first measurement module is used to move alone thelongitudinal axis of the limb and meanwhile measure the length of thelimb; and the second measurement module is disposed at the pull stringmodule, and the second measurement module is used to measure the lengthof the encircling part simultaneously when the first measurement modulemove alone the limb, so as to determine the limb circumference.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the pull stringmodule further comprises a constant-force spring set; and a connectingwire having two ends, wherein one end of the connecting wire isconnected to the constant-force spring set; and wherein the surroundingcomponent is a bead chain, and the bead chain is connected to the otherend of the connecting wire.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first measurementmodule comprises a roller connected to the bead chain and a first angledetector connected to the roller. The roller is used to roll alone thelongitudinal axis of the limb; and the first angle detector is used tomeasure the rotation angle of the roller.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the secondmeasurement module comprises a ratchet disposed on the bead chain and asecond angle detector connected to the ratchet. The ratchet is driven torotate by the bead chain; and the second angle detector is used tomeasure the rotation angle of the ratchet.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first angledetector is further used to transmit the rotation angle of the roller toan outer computing device which converts the rotation angle of theroller to the length of the limb; and the second angle detector isfurther used to transmit the rotation angle of the ratchet to an outercomputing device which converts the rotation angle of the ratchet to thecircumference of the limb.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the computing deviceis a mobile device or a computer.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference further comprises a first connectingrod module. In the embodiment, the roller is disposed at the firstconnecting rod module, so as the roller is alongside the surface of thelimb.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference further comprises a double pullstring module. In the embodiment, the roller is disposed at the doublepull string module, so as the roller is alongside the surface of thelimb.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the pull stringmodule further comprises a constant-force spring set; and a connectingwire having two ends. One end of the connecting wire is connected to theconstant-force spring set; and wherein the surrounding component is ameasurement wire, and the measurement wire is connected to the other endof the connecting wire.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the measurement wireis a long, thin material which is made of at least one selected from thegroup consisted of plastic, metal and cotton thread, and the measurementwire is flexible and unstretchable.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first measurementmodule comprises a first optical motion sensor which is used to measurethe length of the limb.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the secondmeasurement module comprises a second optical motion sensor which isused to measure the circumference of the limb.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first opticalmotion sensor is further used to transmit the length of the limb to anouter computing device; and the second optical motion sensor is furtherused to transmit the length of the encircling part to an outer computingdevice. In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the computingdevice is a mobile device or a computer.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference further comprises at least one guideblock which is disposed on the measurement wire.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference further comprises a secondconnecting rod module. In the embodiment, the at least one guide blockis disposed at the second connecting rod module, so as the at least oneguide block is alongside the surface of the limb.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference comprises a plurality of guideblocks, and the second connecting rod module comprises a frame, aparallel connecting rod, a first connecting rod and a second connectingrod. The frame substantially surrounds the limb, and a slot is disposedon the frame. The parallel connecting rod has two ends, and one end ofthe parallel connecting rod is engaged in the slot. The first connectingrod may be located above the parallel connecting rod, and the firstconnecting rod has two ends one of which is engaged in the slot. Thesecond connecting rod may be located above the parallel connecting rod,and the second connecting rod has two ends one of which is connected tothe first connecting rod. Wherein the frame, the parallel connectingrod, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod areconnected to the corresponding guide blocks respectively.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference further comprises a third connectingrod module. The third connecting rod module comprises a handle used tobe held by a user, and wherein the constant-force spring set is disposedon the handle; a third connecting rod, having a first end and a secondend, wherein the first end of the third connecting rod is connected tothe handle; and a fourth connecting rod, having a first end and a secondend, wherein the first end of the fourth connecting rod is connected tothe second end of the third connecting rod, and the second end of thefourth connecting rod is connected to the at least one guide block; andwherein the third connecting rod and the fourth connecting rod aresubstantially set around the limb and fasten the at least one guideblock.

The present invention further provides a device for measurement of alimb compliance, comprising two pull string modules, at least one firstmeasurement module, and two second measurement modules. Each of the pullstring module comprises a surrounding component, wherein the surroundingcomponent comprises an encircling part disposed around a limb of anindividual, the two pull string modules are next to each other, andwherein the two pull string modules are pulled by different tensions;the at least one first measurement module is disposed at one of the twopull string modules, and wherein the first measurement module is used tomove alone the longitudinal axis of the limb and measure the length ofthe limb meanwhile; and the two second measurement modules are disposedat the two pull string modules, respectively, and each of the secondmeasurement module is used to measure the length of the correspondingencircling part simultaneously when the corresponding first measurementmodule move alone the limb, so as to determine the limb circumference.

The present invention provides a device used in the treatment oflymphedema, comprising a plurality of pull string modules. Each of thepull string module comprises a surrounding component, wherein thesurrounding component comprises an encircling part disposed around alimb of an individual, and the plurality of pull string modules are nextto each other, and wherein each of the pull string modules is pulled bydefault tensions.

In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the device used inthe treatment of lymphedema further comprises at least one firstmeasurement module and at least one second measurement modules. The atleast one first measurement module is disposed at one of the pluralityof pull string modules, and wherein the first measurement module is usedto move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb and measure the lengthof the limb simultaneously; and the at least one second measurementmodules is disposed at the pull string module where the at least onefirst measurement module disposed, and the second measurement module isused to measure the length of the corresponding encircling partsimultaneously when the corresponding first measurement module movealone the limb, so as to determine the limb circumference.

Compared to the prior art, the apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of the present invention is able to measure the limbcircumference simultaneously and continuously. The present inventionfurther provides a device including two apparatuses of the presentinvention to measure the limb compliance while measuring the limbcircumference and a device including a plurality of the apparatuses ofthe present invention to be used for treatment of lymphedema. Theapparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the presentinvention is capable of building a whole data collection of theappearance of a limb during one-time measurement and being used in thetreatment of lymphedema, which is practical assistive device inmedication and rehabilitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of theapparatus for measurement of a limb circumference according to thepresent inventive concept;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the first connecting rod modulein one exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the double pull string module inanother exemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodimentaccording to the present inventive concept;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of the second connecting rod modulein another exemplary embodiment according to the present inventiveconcept;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of the adevice for measurement of a limb compliance according to the presentinventive concept;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of the adevice used in the treatment of lymphedema according to the presentinventive concept;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodimentaccording to the present inventive concept;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe a device for measurement of a limb compliance according to thepresent inventive concept; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe a device used in the treatment of lymphedema according to thepresent inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described by the following specificembodiments. Those with ordinary skills in the arts can readilyunderstand other advantages and functions of the present invention afterreading the disclosure of this specification. Any changes or adjustmentsmade to their relative relationships, without modifying the substantialtechnical contents, are also to be construed as within the rangeimplementable by the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 1 which illustrates a schematic view of oneexemplary embodiment of the apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference according to the present inventive concept. The presentinvention provides an apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference,comprising a pull string module 1, a first measurement module 2, and asecond measurement module 3. The pull string module 1 may comprise asurrounding component, wherein the surrounding component may comprise anencircling part disposed around a limb 100 of an individual. The firstmeasurement module 2 and the second measurement module 3 may be disposedat the pull string module. The first measurement module 2 may move alonethe longitudinal axis of the limb 100 and meanwhile measure the lengthof the limb; and the second measurement module 3 may measure the lengthof the encircling part 12 a simultaneously when the first measurementmodule 2 move alone the limb 100 to determine the limb circumference. Inthe present invention, the limb 100 may be upper limbs and/or lowerlimbs. The present invention is demonstrated by upper limbs in thefollowing exemplary embodiments. However, a person having ordinaryskills in the art realize the present invention can be used in lowerlimbs as well.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the pull string module 1 mayfurther comprise a connecting wire 11 having two ends, the surroundingcomponent may be a bead chain 12 which is disposed to one end of theconnecting wire 11. The bead chain 12 may be flexible and unstretchable.The first measurement module 2 may comprise a roller 21 and a firstangle detector 22 connected to the roller. The first angle detector 22is used to measure the rotation angle of the roller 21. The secondmeasurement module may comprise a ratchet 31 and a second angle detector32. The ratchet 31 may be disposed on the bead chain 12. The secondangle detector 32 may be connected to the ratchet 31. The second angledetector 32 is used to measure the rotation angle of the ratchet 31.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, thesurrounding component may be a bead chain 12, and the bead chain 12 maycomprise an encircling part 12 a which may be a part of the bead chain12 which is disposed around a limb 100 of an individual (e.g. arms). Thebead chain 12 may be flexible and unstretchable. The roller 21 may beplaced on the arm and may roll from the desired starting point. Morespecifically, the roller 21 may roll and move alone the longitudinalaxis of the arm, meanwhile the first angle detector 22 would measure therotation angle of the roller 21. The first angle detector 22 may furthertransmit the rotation angle of the roller to an outer computing device4, such as a mobile device or a computer. The outer computing device 4may convert the rotation angle of the roller to the distance which thefirst measurement module 2 moves. For example, if the roller 21 rollsfrom the starting point of the arm to the end of the arm, the distancewhich the first measurement module 2 moves would be the length of thearm.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, when theapparatus of the present invention move alone the longitudinal axis ofthe arm, the circumference of the arm may be varied because of thevariation of the thickness through the whole arm. The encircling part 12a would be elongated or shortened by the tension from the connectingwire 11. In one exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept,the pull string module may further comprise a constant-force spring set13 and a fixed axis 14. In this embodiment, the constant-force springset 13 may be a spring with a default elastic constant. One end of thebead chain 12 may be connected to the fixed axis 14 and the other end ofthe bead chain 12 may be connected to one end of the connecting wire 11,and the other end of the connecting wire 11 may be connected to theconstant-force spring set 13. The constant-force spring set 13 maycomprise spiral spring coil. In another embodiment of the presentinventive concept, the apparatus of the present invention may furthercomprise a bead chain pulley (not shown in the figures) located on thefixed axis 14. In this embodiment, one end of the bead chain 12 may beconnected to one end of the connecting wire 11. The bead chain 12 maywrap the bead chain pulley, and the other end of the bead chain 12 maybe connected back to the connecting wire 11. By doing so, the movedistance of the bead chain 12 and that of the connecting wire 11 may bereduced. The length of the encircling part 12 a may vary with thecircumference of the arm; spiral spring coil inside the constant-forcespring set 13 may stretch and pull the connecting wire 11 and the beadchain 12 to maintain the fix tension on the connecting wire and the beadchain. The ratchet 31 may be engaged with the bead chain 12, so theratchet 31 is driven to rotate by the bead chain 12. The second angledetector 32 may measure the rotation angle of the ratchet 31 at everyposition of the arm. The second angle detector 32 may further transmitthe rotation angle of the ratchet 31 to an outer computing device 4,such as a mobile device or a computer. The outer computing device 4 mayconvert the rotation angle of the ratchet to the length of theencircling part 12 a of the bead chain 12 which is the circumference ofthe limb 100.

Please refer to FIG. 2 which illustrates a schematic view of the firstconnecting rod module in one exemplary embodiment according to thepresent inventive concept. The apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference according to the present inventive concept may furthercomprise a first connecting rod module 5. The first connecting rodmodule 5 is design by the geometry of midpoint of hypotenuse of righttriangle being circumcenter. Roller 21 may be disposed at a parallelpanel 51 under the first connecting rod module 5. The parallel panel 51may make the roller 21 vertical to the surface of the limb 100 needed tobe measured. The first connecting rod module 5 may further be configureda tension spring (not illustrated). The parallel panel 51 may go down bythe tension spring to press the roller 21 to roll alongside the surfaceof the limb 100. The first connecting rod module 5 may further comprisea trench (not illustrated) disposed below the parallel panel 51. Thefirst connecting rod module 5 may pull the bead chain 12 through thetrench, so as the bead chain 12 may move alone the longitudinal axis ofthe limb 100 with the roller 21.

Please refer to FIG. 3 which illustrates a schematic view of the doublepull string module in another exemplary embodiment according to thepresent inventive concept. The apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of the present inventive concept may further comprise adouble pull string module 6 whose function is similar with that of thefirst connecting rod module 5 in FIG. 2. In one exemplary of the presentinventive concept, the roller 21 may be disposed on the parallel panel61 of the double pull string module 6. The parallel panel 61 may bepulled down by the double pull string module 6. The parallel panel 61may make the roller 21 vertical to the surface of the limb needed to bemeasured and press the roller 21 to roll alongside the surface of thelimb 100. The double pull string module 6 may further comprise a trench(not illustrated) disposed below the parallel panel 61. The double pullstring module 6 may pull the bead chain 12 through the trench, so as thebead chain 12 may move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb 100 withthe roller 21.

A person having ordinary skills in the art understand that the firstconnecting rod module 5 in FIG. 2 and the double pull string module 6 inFIG. 3 have similar function. Therefore, the apparatus for measurementof a limb circumference of the present inventive concept may compriseeither of them, or both of them.

Please refer to FIG. 4 which illustrates a schematic view of anotherexemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept. In theexemplary embodiment according to the present inventive concept, thepull string module 7 may further comprise a surrounding component, aconstant-force spring set 71 and a connecting wire 72 having two ends.One end of the connecting wire 72 is connected to the constant-forcespring set 71. The surrounding component is a measurement wire 73. Themeasurement wire 73 may be connected to the other end of the connectingwire 72. In the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept,the measurement wire 73 may comprise an encircling part 73 a which maybe a part of the measurement wire 73 which is disposed around a limb 100of an individual (e.g. arms). The measurement wire 73 may be made of atleast one selected from the group consisted of plastic, metal and cottonthread, and the measurement wire 73 may be flexible and unstretchable.

In the present inventive concept, the rotation angle detector may bereplaced by the optical motion sensor. In this exemplary embodiment, Thefirst measurement module 2 and the second measurement module 3 maycomprise a first optical motion sensor 23 and a second optical motionsensor 33, respectively. The first optical motion sensor 23 may bedisposed at the position of the upper the apparatus for measurement of alimb circumference where contacting the skin. When the apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive conceptmove alone the longitudinal axis of the limb 100, the first measurementmodule 2 and the measurement wire 73 may move simultaneously. The firstoptical motion sensor 23 may sense the distance which the apparatusmoves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb 100 to measure the lengthof the limb 100.

The second optical motion sensor 33 may be disposed closely on themeasurement wire 73 to measure the circumference of the limb 100. Thesecond optical motion sensor 33 may measure the circumference of thelimb 100 by sensing the distance which the measurement wire 73 moves.Alternatively, the second optical motion sensor 33 may be disposedbeside the sidewall of the pulley (not illustrated) which change thedirection of the measurement wire 73 to sense the rotation angle of thepulley to measure the circumference of the limb 100. In this embodiment,the movement of the connecting wire 72 and that of the measurement wire73 are the same, so the second optical motion sensor 33 may be disposedclosely on the connecting wire 72 to measure the circumference of thelimb 100 by sensing the distance which the connecting wire 72 moves.Alternatively, the second optical motion sensor 33 may be disposedbeside the sidewall of the pulley (not illustrated) which change thedirection of the connecting wire 72 to sense the rotation angle of thepulley to convert to the distance which the connecting wire 72 moves.

The length of the limb 100 measured by the first optical motion sensor23 from sensing the distance which the apparatus moves alone thelongitudinal axis of the limb 100 and the circumference of the limb 100measured by the second optical motion sensor 33 from sensing thedistance which the measurement wire 73 (or the connecting wire 72) movesmay be transmitted to an outer computing device 4, such as a mobiledevice or a computer. Alternatively, the rotation angle sensed by thesecond optical motion sensor 33 may be transmitted to an outer computingdevice 4 to convert to the distance which the measurement wire 73 (orthe connecting wire 72) moves, which represents the circumference of thelimb 100.

Please refer to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view ofthe second connecting rod module in another exemplary embodimentaccording to the present inventive concept. The apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive concept mayfurther comprise at least one guide block 80 and a second connecting rodmodule 81. In this embodiment, the apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of the present inventive concept comprises a plurality ofguide blocks 80. The plurality of guide blocks 80 may be disposed on theencircling part 73 a of the measurement wire 73 evenly or unevenly andsurround the limb 100. The second connecting rod module 81 may bedisposed at both side and bottom of the apparatus or measurement of alimb circumference. Each of the plurality of guide blocks 80 may befurther disposed at the second connecting rod module 81 to make theplurality of guide blocks alongside the surface of the limb 100. Bydoing so, the measurement wire 73 may be alongside the surface of thelimb 100 when the apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference ofthe present inventive concept moves.

More specifically, the second connecting rod module 81 may comprise aframe 810, a first connecting rod 811, a second connecting rod 812 and aparallel connecting rod 813. The frame 810 may substantially surroundthe limb, and a slot 8101 may be disposed on the frame, wherein the slot8101 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thelimb. The parallel connecting rod 813 has two ends, and one end of theparallel connecting rod 813 may be slidably engaged in the slot 8101 andsubstantially perpendicular to the slot 8101. The first connecting rod811 has two ends and one end of the first connecting rod 811 may beslidably engaged in the slot 8101. The second connecting rod 812 has twoends and one end of the second connecting rod 812 may be pivotablyconnected to the first connecting rod 811. The frame 810, the parallelconnecting rod 813, the first connecting rod 811 and the secondconnecting rod 812 may be connected to the corresponding guide blocks 80respectively. The parallel connecting rod 813 may be disposed near thebottom of the apparatus or measurement of a limb circumference and underthe limb and the first connecting rod 811 and the second connecting rod812 may be located above the parallel rod 813 to guide the measurementwire 73 alongside the surface of the limb 100. The parallel connectingrod 813 may be designed as the first connecting rod module 5 shown inFIG. 5 or the double pull string module 6 in FIG. 3.

Please refer to FIG. 6 which illustrates a schematic view of oneexemplary embodiment of the a device for measurement of a limbcompliance according to the present inventive concept. The device formeasurement of a limb compliance according to the present inventiveconcept may comprise two pull string modules 7, each of which includes aconstant-force spring set 71, a connecting wire 72 and a measurementwire 73; at least one first measurement module 2 including a firstoptical motion sensor 23; and two second measurement modules 3, each ofwhich includes a second optical motion sensor 33. The two pull stringmodules 7 may comprise a surrounding component, wherein the surroundingcomponent may comprise an encircling part disposed around a limb 100 ofan individual; the two pull string modules 7 may be next to each other,and wherein the two pull string modules 7 may be pulled by differenttensions to determine the variation of the compliance (limb stiffness).The first optical motion sensor 23 may be disposed at one or both of thepull string modules 7 to move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb100 and sense the length of the limb meanwhile. Each of the two secondoptical motion sensor 33 may be disposed at the corresponding pullstring modules 7 to sense the length of the corresponding encircle part73 a of each of the pull string module to determine the limbcircumference simultaneously when the first optical motion sensor 23moves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb 100.

The device for measurement of a limb compliance according to the presentinventive concept may comprise one apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of the present inventive concept combined with at leastone pull string module 7. Preferably, the pull string modules may bealigned. More preferably, each of the pull string modules may beoptionally conducted by same or different tensions and yet movesimultaneously alone the longitudinal axis of the limb 100, which means,the device for measurement of a limb compliance is able to collect thedata of the limb circumferences measured by different tensions (i.e.tightness of the measurement wire) at the same position, wherein thedifference between the values of the two limb circumferences may beconverted to the stiffness of the limb. In other words, the tightness ofthe measurement wires caused by the different tension results indifferent measured values of the limb circumference. The differencebetween the two measured values of the limb circumference reflects thelimb compliance, so the change of the limb compliance may be monitored.

Please refer to FIG. 7 which illustrates a schematic view of oneexemplary embodiment of the a device used in the treatment of lymphedemaaccording to the present inventive concept. The device used in thetreatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept maycomprise one apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of thepresent inventive concept combined with a plurality of pull stringmodules 7, each of which includes a constant-force spring set 71, aconnecting wire 72 and a measurement wire 73. Each of the pull stringmodule 7 may comprise a surrounding component, wherein the surroundingcomponent may comprise an encircling part 73 a disposed around a limb100 of an individual, and the plurality of pull string modules 7 may benext to each other, and wherein each of the pull string modules 7 ispulled by default tensions. More specifically, each of the tensions onthe constant-force spring set 71 of the pull string modules may bediffered due to the treatments. In one exemplary embodiment of thepresent inventive concept, the device used in the treatment oflymphedema may comprise at least one first measurement module 2including a first optical motion sensor 23; and at least one secondmeasurement modules 3, each of which includes a second optical motionsensor 33. The at least one first measurement module 23 may be disposedat one of the plurality of pull string modules 7, and the firstmeasurement module moves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb 100 andmeanwhile measure the length of the limb 100. The at least one secondmeasurement modules 33 may be disposed at the same pull string module 7where the at least one first measurement module 23 disposed. The secondmeasurement module 33 is used to measure the length of the correspondingencircling part 73 a simultaneously when the corresponding firstmeasurement module 23 moves alone the limb 100, so as to determine thelimb circumference.

In some embodiments, the spacing between every pull string modules 7 maybe adjusted by the condition of the patients or by the design of thedevice. Preferably, the spacing may be 10˜100 mm, but not limited.

As shown in FIG. 7, the device used in the treatment of lymphedemaaccording to the present inventive concept may comprise one apparatusfor measurement of a limb circumference of the present inventive conceptcombined with a plurality of pull string module. Each of theconstant-force spring set of the plurality of pull string modules ispulled by different tensions. Preferably, the device used in thetreatment of lymphedema according to the present inventive concept maycomprise one apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of thepresent inventive concept and 2 to 9 pull string modules, but notlimited. According to this exemplary embodiment, the elastic constantsof each of the constant-force spring set 71 are different. When thedevice used in the treatment of lymphedema is pulled alone the limb 100,forces would be applied on the surface of the limb 100 by each of themeasurement wires 73 at the same time to relieve lymphedema. Thetherapeutic effect is caused by appropriate pressure being applied onthe lesion which would excite the contraction of the smooth musclearound the lymphatic vessels. The lymph fluid in the tissues may befurther guided to the superficial circulation by drainage and throughany anastomoses in the superficial circulation to a normal lymph nodeand back the vascular system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary embodimentaccording to the present inventive concept. As shown in FIG. 8, theapparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of the presentinventive concept may further comprise a third connecting rod module 82and at least one guide block 80. The third connecting rod module 82 maycomprise a handle 820; two third connecting rods 821, each of which hasa first end 8211 and a second end 8212, and two fourth connecting rods822, each of which has a first end 8221 and a second end 8222. Thehandle 820 may be used to be held by a user, and wherein theconstant-force spring set 71 may be disposed on the handle 820. Thefirst end 8211 of the third connecting rod 821 may be connected to thehandle 820. The second end 8212 of the third connecting rod 821 may beconnected to the first end 8221 of the fourth connecting rod 822. Thesecond end 8222 of the fourth connecting rod 822 may be connected to theguide block 80. The two third connecting rod 821 and the two fourthconnecting rod 822 may be substantially set around the limb 100 andfasten the guide block 80. The guide block 80 may make the encirclingpart 73 a of the measurement wire 73 alongside the surface of the limb100 and guide the measurement wire 73 to slide alone the longitudinalaxis of the limb 100. The third connecting rod module 82 and the guideblock 80 may be driven by the constant-force spring set 71 connected tothe other end of the measurement wire 73.

As shown in FIG. 9, the device for measurement of a limb complianceaccording to the present inventive concept may comprise two apparatusesfor measurement of a limb circumference comprising the third connectingrod 82. Likewise, the device used in the treatment of lymphedemaaccording to the present inventive concept may comprise a plurality ofapparatuses for measurement of a limb circumference comprising the thirdconnecting rod 82, as shown in FIG. 10. The device used in the treatmentof lymphedema according to the present inventive concept may comprise 3to 10 apparatuses for measurement of a limb circumference of the presentinventive concept, but not limited.

In summary, the present invention provides an apparatus for measurementof a limb circumference move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb andmeanwhile continuously measure the limb circumference in situ andtransmit the value to a mobile device or a computer via Bluetooth or anyother connection way for recordation and further analysis used for theevaluation of the circumference and volume of a limb. Besides, thepresent invention further provides a device including one apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of the present invention combinedwith at least one pull string module to measure the limb compliance andto be used in the treatment of lymphedema.

The foregoing descriptions of the detailed embodiments are onlyillustrated to disclose the features and functions of the presentinvention and not restrictive of the scope of the present invention. Itshould be understood to those in the art that all modifications andvariations according to the spirit and principle in the disclosure ofthe present invention should fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference, comprising: a pull string module, comprising asurrounding component, wherein the surrounding component comprises anencircling part disposed around a limb of an individual; a firstmeasurement module disposed at the pull string module, and wherein thefirst measurement module is used to move alone the longitudinal axis ofthe limb and meanwhile measure the length of the limb; and a secondmeasurement module disposed at the pull string module, and the secondmeasurement module is used to measure the length of the encircling partsimultaneously when the first measurement module move alone the limb, soas to determine the limb circumference.
 2. The apparatus for measurementof a limb circumference of claim 1, wherein the pull string modulecomprises: a constant-force spring set; a connecting wire having twoends, and one end of the connecting wire is connected to theconstant-force spring set; and wherein the surrounding component is abead chain, and the bead chain is connected to the other end of theconnecting wire.
 3. The apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of claim 2, wherein the first measurement modulecomprises: a roller connected to the bead chain, and the roller is usedto roll alone the longitudinal axis of the limb; and a first angledetector connected to the roller, and the first angle detector is usedto measure the rotation angle of the roller.
 4. The apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of claim 3, wherein the secondmeasurement module comprises: a ratchet disposed on the bead chain, andwherein the ratchet is driven to rotate by the bead chain; and a secondangle detector connected to the ratchet, and the second angle detectoris used to measure the rotation angle of the ratchet.
 5. The apparatusfor measurement of a limb circumference of claim 4, wherein the firstangle detector is further used to transmit the rotation angle of theroller to an outer computing device which converts the rotation angle ofthe roller to the length of the limb; and the second angle detector isfurther used to transmit the rotation angle of the ratchet to an outercomputing device which converts the rotation angle of the ratchet to thecircumference of the limb.
 6. The apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of claim 5, wherein the computing device is a mobiledevice or a computer.
 7. The apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of claim 5, further comprising a first connecting rodmodule, wherein the roller is disposed at the first connecting rodmodule, so as the roller is alongside the surface of the limb.
 8. Theapparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of claim 5, furthercomprising a double pull string module, wherein the roller is disposedat the double pull string module, so as the roller is alongside thesurface of the limb.
 9. The apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of claim 1, wherein the pull string module furthercomprises: a constant-force spring set; and a connecting wire having twoends, and one end of the connecting wire is connected to theconstant-force spring set; and wherein the surrounding component is ameasurement wire, and the measurement wire is connected to the other endof the connecting wire.
 10. The apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of claim 9, wherein the measurement wire is made of atleast one selected from the group consisted of plastic, metal and cottonthread, and the measurement wire is flexible and unstretchable.
 11. Theapparatus for measurement of a limb circumference of claim 9, whereinthe first measurement module comprises a first optical motion sensorwhich is used to measure the length of the limb.
 12. The apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of claim 11, wherein the secondmeasurement module comprises a second optical motion sensor which isused to measure the circumference of the limb.
 13. The apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of claim 12, wherein the firstoptical motion sensor is further used to transmit the length of the limbto an outer computing device; and the second optical motion sensor isfurther used to transmit the length of the encircling part to an outercomputing device.
 14. The apparatus for measurement of a limbcircumference of claim 9, further comprising at least one guide blockwhich is disposed on the measurement wire.
 15. The apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of claim 14, further comprising asecond connecting rod module, wherein the at least one guide block isdisposed at the second connecting rod module, so as the at least oneguide block is alongside the surface of the limb.
 16. The apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of claim 15, further comprising aplurality of guide blocks, and the second connecting rod modulecomprises: a frame, substantially surrounding the limb, and a slot isdisposed on the frame; a parallel connecting rod, having two ends, andone end of the parallel connecting rod is engaged in the slot; a firstconnecting rod, having two ends, and one end of the first connecting rodis engaged in the slot; a second connecting rod, having two ends, andone end of the second connecting rod is connected to the firstconnecting rod; and wherein the frame, the parallel connecting rod, thefirst connecting rod and the second connecting rod are connected to thecorresponding guide blocks respectively.
 17. The apparatus formeasurement of a limb circumference of claim 15, further comprising athird connecting rod module, and the third connecting rod modulecomprises: a handle used to be held by a user, and wherein theconstant-force spring set is disposed on the handle; a third connectingrod, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of thethird connecting rod is connected to the handle; and a fourth connectingrod, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of thefourth connecting rod is connected to the second end of the thirdconnecting rod, and the second end of the fourth connecting rod isconnected to the at least one guide block; and wherein the thirdconnecting rod and the fourth connecting rod are around the limb andfasten the at least one guide block.
 18. A device for measurement of alimb compliance, comprising: two pull string modules, and each of thepull string module comprises a surrounding component, wherein thesurrounding component comprises an encircling part disposed around alimb of an individual, and the two pull string modules are next to eachother, and wherein the two pull string modules are pulled by differenttensions; at least one first measurement module, disposed at one of thetwo pull string modules, and wherein the at least one first measurementmodule is used to move alone the longitudinal axis of the limb andmeasure the length of the limb meanwhile; and two second measurementmodules, disposed at the two pull string modules, respectively, and eachof the second measurement module is used to measure the length of thecorresponding encircling part simultaneously when the correspondingfirst measurement module move alone the limb, so as to determine thelimb circumference.
 19. A device used in the treatment of lymphedema,comprising a plurality of pull string modules, each of the pull stringmodules comprises a surrounding component, wherein the surroundingcomponent comprises an encircling part disposed around a limb of anindividual, and the plurality of pull string modules are next to eachother, and wherein each of the pull string modules is pulled by defaulttensions.
 20. The device for treatment of lymphedema of claim 19,further comprising: at least one first measurement module, disposed atone of the plurality of pull string modules, and wherein the firstmeasurement module is used to move alone the longitudinal axis of thelimb and measure the length of the limb meanwhile; and at least onesecond measurement modules, disposed at the same pull string modulewhere the at least one first measurement module disposed, and the secondmeasurement module is used to measure the length of the correspondingencircling part simultaneously when the corresponding first measurementmodule moves alone the limb, so as to determine the limb circumference.